MLC 2025: Glenn Maxwell is set to lead Washington Freedom

Australia's explosive all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has been made the captain of Washington Freedom for the 2025 season of Major League Cricket (MLC). Maxwell takes over from veteran Steve Smith, who captained the franchise to their first title in 2024. Smith's limited availability this year for national duties has necessitated the change in leadership, and Maxwell is now ready to lead the reigning champions.

Smith will be unavailable for most of the 2025 season as he becomes part of Australia's Test team on their Caribbean tour, where they will have a three-match series. While still in the Freedom setup, he will play just two games this season. On the other hand, Maxwell, who has just come from declaring himself retired from ODIs, has loads of leadership experience and recent success with the team behind him. "Captain Maxwell is here to rewrite the script. Glenn Maxwell will lead the Freedom squad in Cognizant Major League Cricket 2025. Steve Smith will captain the side in the two games he plays during the season. #FreedomExpress #MLC2025," announced the franchise on X.

Maxwell was an integral part of Washington's title-winning squad last season, making contributions with both the bat and ball. He made 153 runs in a span of eight innings at an average of 38.25, including a crucial half-century, and also added 10 wickets at an average of 17 and an economy rate of 6.66. His all-rounder skills and big-impact approach make him a natural candidate to captain the side in 2025. 

Maxwell's Leadership Experience and Squad for 2025

Maxwell has experience in captaincy roles too. He earlier captained the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League for 65 matches and brought home 34 victories. He also captained Punjab Kings in the 2017 season of the Indian Premier League, falling just short of a playoff qualification with seven victories in 14 games. His energetic presence and strategic thinking will hopefully bring a spark to Freedom's title defense.

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Washington Freedom has assembled a strong and balanced squad for the upcoming MLC season: Glenn Maxwell (C), Steve Smith, Mark Chapman, Mukhtar Ahmed, Jack Edwards, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Owen, Abhishek Paradkar, Obus Pienaar, Ian Holland, Justin Dill, Andries Gous, Lahiru Milantha, Saurabh Netravalkar, Amila Aponso, Yasir Mohammad, Lockie Ferguson, Jason Benrendorff, and Ben Sears. Freedom will be aiming to replicate their 2024 success and continue their dominance in Major League Cricket.